FridayOL

Ever wonder what could have been? The world of Hollywood is filled with stories of actors turning down roles that went on to become legendary. Sometimes it's a gut feeling, sometimes it's scheduling conflicts, and sometimes it's just plain bad timing. But in many cases, these actors later came to deeply regret their decisions, watching as others took their place in cinematic history.

Let's dive into the tales of 13 actors who famously declined roles in iconic films – and the regret that followed. We'll explore the reasons behind their choices and the impact those decisions had on their careers, with a spotlight on a particularly intriguing 'what if' scenario involving Denzel Washington and the thriller 'Se7en'.

Denzel Washington and 'Se7en': A Missed Opportunity?

The story of Denzel Washington and 'Se7en' is perhaps the most captivating on this list. David Fincher initially offered Washington the role of Detective Somerset, ultimately played by Morgan Freeman. Washington, at the time, was hesitant, feeling the film was too dark and violent. He reportedly believed it would negatively impact his image.

Imagine a world where Denzel Washington delivered the iconic closing monologue of 'Se7en'. It's a thought that sends shivers down the spines of film enthusiasts. While Morgan Freeman's portrayal is undeniably brilliant, it's impossible not to wonder what Washington's interpretation would have brought to the role. He later admitted to regretting passing on the part, acknowledging the film’s enduring legacy and the brilliance of Fincher’s direction.

Other Notable Rejections

But Denzel isn't alone in this club of regret. Here are a few more actors who turned down roles that defined careers:

• Val Kilmer as Maverick in 'Top Gun': Kilmer initially wasn't Fincher's first choice. He ultimately took the role after a series of auditions and screen tests.
• John Travolta as Neo in 'The Matrix': Can you picture Travolta dodging bullets in slow motion? He turned down the role, which went to Keanu Reeves, a decision he has since expressed regret over.
• Will Smith as Neo in 'The Matrix': Before Reeves, Smith was offered the part but declined due to commitments to 'Wild Wild West.' A pivotal moment in his career, and a potential shift in cinematic history.
• Tom Hanks as Jack Dawson in 'Titanic': Hanks was considered for the role of Jack, but scheduling conflicts prevented him from accepting. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal became iconic, of course.
• Meg Ryan as Vivian Ward in 'Pretty Woman': Ryan turned down the role, which ultimately launched Julia Roberts to superstardom.
• Meryl Streep as Rose DeWitt Bukater in 'Titanic': Similar to Hanks, Streep was also considered but unavailable due to scheduling.
• Brendan Fraser as Indiana Jones in 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull': Fraser was in serious consideration and even underwent testing, but the role ultimately went to Harrison Ford.

The Psychology of Regret in Hollywood

Why do actors turn down roles, knowing the potential consequences? Often, it’s a mix of factors: creative differences, concerns about their image, or simply a feeling that the project isn't right for them. But hindsight is 20/20, and the sting of regret can be a powerful motivator for future decisions.

These stories serve as a reminder that even the most talented and successful actors don't always get it right. And sometimes, the roles they turn down become the very roles that define cinematic history.